The searches had been organised by the Find Gaia group on Facebook and saw volunteers gather at the country park, near the main beach and to the north of the town looking for Miss Pope, who suffered from severe epilepsy.

Since she disappeared hundreds of missing person posters have been distributed across the county.

Detectives have arrested and released under investigation three people, a 71-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man and a 49-year-old man, named locally as Paul Elsey.

On Friday, Miss Pope's mother, Natasha, said she had not given up hope her daughter would be found alive - saying "I believe miracles can happen".

In a message posted on social media, Ms Pope said: "I believe in this community and I believe miracles can happen.

"I am holding onto hope, along with Gaia's sisters and the whole family who are my strength. Please hold on with us. My eternal thanks to everyone who is out there searching for my little girl."

Earlier, Mr Sutherland said he feared his daughter's epilepsy may have played a part in her disappearance as she had been warned by doctors that she was at risk of sudden death from the condition.

Miss Pope had not been seen since about 4pm on November 7 in Manor Gardens, Swanage.

An hour earlier she was captured on CCTV buying an ice cream inside St Michael's Garage in the town, having been driven there by a relative.

She was said to be wearing a red checked shirt with white buttons, grey and white woven leggings and white trainers. The black jacket she had on was recovered from an address in Manor Gardens.

Forensic investigations have concluded at two properties in Manor Gardens, which are believed to be linked to the people arrested.

Trending

Penwortham teenager abducted at knifepoint, stabbed in face and dumped at industrial park in Preston

These are some of the best fish and chip shops in Lancashire according to TripAdvisor

'Marooned' sheep and drivers rescued as flooding strikes across Lancashire and River Ribble bursts banks at Preston